How long does it take for fed tax refund

Keyword: Tax Refund

I received a refund that is more than I should have received because I've discovered I made a mistake on my return. I have not yet cashed this check. What should I do now?

Many mistakes are corrected in processing and a letter of explanation is mailed at the time the refund is issued. If the mistake was not corrected in processing, you need to file an amended or corrected return using Form 1040X (PDF), Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return . as soon as possible. Include copies of any schedules that have been changed or any Form W-2 (PDF) you did not include. If you return the refund check with a letter of explanation, a refund in the correct amount will be issued when the amended return processes.

How can I check the status of my amended return?

You will need to contact our assistance line at (800) 829-1040 to receive information on the processing of your amended return. Amended/corrected returns are processed as quickly as possible. However, it could take 8 to 12 weeks to process an amended return.

If I call the automated tax line or access "Where's my Refund" to check the status of a refund on an amended return, do I enter the total amount of my original refund, or only the amended amount?

You cannot check the status of a refund for an amended return on the automated tax line or by accessing "Where's my Refund". Amended/corrected returns are processed as quickly as possible. However, it may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer to process the return. If 8 weeks have elapsed and you have not received your refund, call (800) 829-1040.

My ex-spouse is delinquent in paying child support. The attorney general has filed some sort of paperwork with the IRS to withhold their tax refund. When and how will I receive this money?

The answer varies depending on the state that is involved. You need to contact the state involved by linking to its page on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families Offices of Child Support Enforcement web site to get this information.

Is there any way to find out if I need to file an injured spouse claim before I file a return?

Your spouse can ask the agency that might be claiming the refund for a past-due debt. Another source of information is the Financial Management Service Help Desk at (800) 304-3107.

I lost my refund check. How do I get a new

one?

Call the IRS at (800) 829-1954. If your refund check has not been cashed, we can normally provide a replacement within six to eight weeks. You may need to complete a Form 3911 (PDF) Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund . to initiate a claim. If your refund check has been cashed the Financial Management Service (FMS) will provide a claim package which includes a copy of the check. FMS will review the claim and the signature on the cancelled check before determining whether another refund can be issued.

If you need to know whether a federal tax refund check that was issued to you has been cashed, you can call (800) 829-1954 and request Form 3911 (PDF), Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund .

If you are inquiring about a check that was issued to someone other than yourself, the IRS is not allowed under the Privacy Act of 1974 to disclose any information.

What is a split refund

A split refund lets you divide your refund, in any proportion you want, and direct deposit the funds in up to three different accounts with U. S. financial institutions.

What are the benefits of splitting my refund?

Instead of choosing between depositing your refund into a checking or saving account and later moving part of your refund to another account, you can allocate your refund among up to three different accounts and send your money where you want it the first time.

By splitting your refund, you get the convenience of directing some of your refund to your checking account for immediate needs and sending some to savings for future use. Plus, you get the safety and speed of direct deposit, meaning you will have access to your refund faster than if you opt to receive a paper check.

How do I split my refund?

Simply complete and attach Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account, to your federal income tax return to tell IRS how much and to which of your accounts you want your refund deposited.

Can I still send my refund to just one account?

Yes, you can ask IRS to direct deposit your 2006 refund into one account, or split it among two or three different accounts. The choice is yours.

If you want your refund deposited into one account, use the special direct deposit lines on your tax return (Forms 1040, 1040A, etc.). If you want your refund deposited to two or three accounts, use Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account.